Blue4Ben: Clarence Mom Finds Hope in Sharing Story

CLARENCE, NY - One Western New York mom has found a surprising resource for help during one of the most trying times of her life.

Mindy Sauer's four-year-old son Ben was recently diagnosed with Stage IV Glioblastoma, a common form of brain cancer.

Ben's prognosis isn't very good. He's already had one surgery, but the tumor grew back even bigger than it was before.

Seeking help during this difficult process Mindy turned to a unique support group, complete strangers.

By posting stories about what she's going through on her blog Mindy has found a new source of inspiration, with her blog reaching over 15,000 people. The experience of sharing her story has given Mindy a sense of optimism.

"We have hope because we have God. Whether that means he will take him home and we will see him again someday or is our hope is healing him on earth which we want which is our first choice," said Mindy Sauer.

Doctors at Roswell Park and Women and Children's hospital say there really isn't much they can do, and have since sent Ben home. But that hasn't dampened the Sauer's can-do attitude. This Sunday, the family hosted the Blue4Ben benefit at the Chapel at Crosspoint in Getzville to help pay for Ben's medical bills.

"I have to say, I wasn't expecting even a fraction of this," Mindy told 2 On Your Side Sunday night. "It's an overwhelming expression of love. And that's really how we've viewed this whole event."

A lot of the people who showed up at the benefit don't even know the family personally. They don't know yet how much money the fundraiser today will bring in for medical costs, either, but Mindy says it's more about the community support for Ben than the money anyway. And judging by the turnout and some of the items up for auction, you'd have to think it will be very, very helpful.